I can understand that this book might be a particularly subjective reading experience, but I loved every moment of it. I adored the uniquely imaginative setting of Ora, the concept and execution of The Gleaming, the anthological feel of the stories nested within the narrative, each creative and absorbing in its own way. Lu touches on a wide breadth of themes here, and explores deeply philosophical questions, but with such skill and subtlety æ make it look almost effortless. Ær imagery and prose was incredibly gorgeous, with some truly memorable imagery. Despite the shortness of this novella, I was also surprised at how fond of all the characters, but particularly Anima and Vessel, I walked away feeling. I’m now relentlessly impatient for more of Lu’s work and am confident æ could become a new favourite author of mine. I’d particularly recommend it to anyone who enjoyed This Is How You Lose the Time War.